Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A starter assist apparatus is taught for use in combination with a recoil-type starter operably connected to an internal combustion engine. Recoil-type starters include a recoil pulley biased in recoil direction, and a cable wrapped about the recoil pulley with the outermost end of the cable extending outwardly for brisk withdrawal to impart a starting impulse for the internal combustion engine. The arrangement of the new starter assist apparatus is such that, first of all, the cable from the recoil pulley is fastened to a frame element or to a special pivotable lever carrying a bight pulley assembly. When the cable is affixed to the lever, an idler pulley for entraining the cable is fastened to a frame element. The bight pulley assembly engages a bight of the cable between the fastening point and the recoil pulley wrapping, so that shifting of the bight pulley assembly in response to shifting of the lever draws out cable to impart a starting impulse to the engine. A foot pedal is connected to the lever is spaced relationship from the fulcrum of it so that pivoting is accomplished by foot pressure. Limit stops restrict the range of pivot of the lever so as to reduce wear and tear of the recoil mechanism. Alignment of the elements, or a special guide member, serves to maintain the cable, during withdrawal and recoil of it with respect to the recoil mechanism, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping of that cable about the recoil pulley. This relationship is at least maintained for a sufficient distance beyond the rims of the recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of the cable laterally over a rim of the recoil pulley.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Rolan C. Gjovlk Spring Valley, Wis. [2]] Appl. No. 827,797 [22] Filed May 26, 1969 [45] Patented Dec. 14, 1971 [73] Assignees Robert R. Gavlc Spring Valley, C. L. l-laylord; C. M. Brye, River Falls, Wis. part interest to each [54] APPARATUS 9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.C1 123/185 A, 123/185 B, 123/185 BB, 123/185 CA [51] Int. Cl F02n H00. [50] Field oISearch 123/185 B, 185 C, 179 O, 179 R, 185 CA, 185 A; 74/6, 7

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,149,978 8/1915 Groll 123/185 1,160,475 11/1915 Webber.. 123/185 3,361,124 l/1968 Fend 128/185 3,381,677 5/1968 Hunter... 123/185 v 872,527 12/1907 Manz 123/185 1,065,708 6/1913 Morgan 123/185 1,099,685 6/1914 Bennett... 123/185 1,102,651 7/1914 Fenner.... 123/185 1,151,130 8/1915 Sprague... 123/185 2,912,966 1 H1959 Mitchell 123/185 3,018,768 l/l962 Thompson 123/185 FOREIGN PATENTS 6/ 1906 Great Britain OTHER REFERENCES Mechanical Appliances," Gardner Hiscox, 1904 page 331, Figure 856 ABSTRACT: A starter assist apparatus is taught for use in combination with a recoil-type starter operably connected to an internal combustion engine. Recoil-type starters include a recoil pulley biased in recoil direction, and a cable wrapped about the recoil pulley with the outermost end of the cable extending outwardly for brisk withdrawal to impart a starting impulse for the internal combustion engine.

The arrangement of the new starter assist apparatus is such that, first of all, the cable from the recoil pulley is fastened to a frame element or to a special pivotable lever carrying a bight pulley assembly. When the cable is affixed to the lever, an idler pulley for entraining the cable is fastened to a frame element.

The bight pulley assembly engages a bight of the cable between the fastening point and the recoil pulley wrapping, so that shifting of the bight pulley assembly in response to shifting of the lever draws out cable to impart a starting impulse to the engine. A foot pedal is connected to the lever is spaced relationship from the fulcrum of it so that pivoting is accomplished by foot pressure. Limit stops restrict the range of pivot of the lever so as to reduce wear and tear of the recoil mechanism. Alignment of the elements, or a special guide member, serves to maintain the cable, during withdrawal and recoil of it with respect to the recoil mechanism, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping of that cable about the recoil pulley. This relationship is at least maintained for a sufficient distance beyond the rims of the recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of the cable laterally over a rim of the recoil pulley.

PATENTED DEC 1 4 Ian {I5 FIG 53 FIG-5 INVENTOR.

ROLAN C. GJOVIK FIG-6 APPARATUS This invention relates to new apparatus to assist or promote relatively easy starting of internal combustion engines, to internal combustion engines equipped with the new starter apparatus, and to a variety of devices, particularly mobile devices, powered by internal combustion means equipped with the new starter apparatus.

The teaching of the invention is especially useful to provide improvements for the starting of internal combustion engines on such devices as snowmobiles, trail tractors, scooters, gocarts, mini-bikes and the like. It is also useful to provide improvements for starting the internal combustion engines for boats (both outboard and inboard), for devices adapted to become airborne, for lawn mowers, snow blowers, and a variety of other specially designed mobile devices.

It is believed that the greatest benefits of the invention are realized when the starter assist apparatus according to the teachings herein is employed on devices equipped with relatively high-compression internal combustion engines. Such engines are frequently employed on snowmobiles. The starting of such engines requires a relatively quick or brisk turnover of the engine; otherwise the necessary electrical charge build up for the spark plug or plugs is not likely to be accomplished by the magneto action or equivalent (e.g. alternator and coil). Hand pulling of conventional recoil starters, as sometimes mounted on these engines, can be exhausting; and what is worse, an exhausted person can become ineffective under adverse conditions (such as in a remote area where help is not readily available). Battery powered electrical starters not only add expense, but also add undesired weight, including the weight of the battery; and the lack of reliability of such units under the extremes of temperature not unknown for the areas in which snowmobiles are operated presents a further hazard. Further, batteries are undesired on mobile devices designed for rough use under conditions sometimes causing the devices to tip over. In short, although the problem of providing an economical, lightweight, reliable and also easily operated starting apparatus for such devices as aforenoted has been recognized for several years, no one has heretofore, insofar as is known, provided an effective solution to that problem.

The teachings of this invention provide a solution to that problem. No electrically powered starting means is employed. Hand pulling of a cable or rope for starting an engine is not necessary. The starter apparatus of this invention is foot operated. This feature makes it possible for many women or young adults to start an engine of the type ordinarily requiring the efforts of a strong man. Further, because the new starter apparatus is foot operated, both hands of an individual are free to regulate the throttle, adjust the choke, or perform other tasks designed to facilitate the quickest start of an engme.

The starter apparatus of the invention does include a recoiltype starter operably connected or designed for operable connection to an internal combustion engine. Recoil-type starters comprise a recoil pulley or equivalent biased in recoil direction, plus a cable wrapped about the recoil pulley with the outennost end of the cable extending outwardly for brisk withdrawal to effect rotation of the recoil pulley in a direction opposite to the recoil direction. This simultaneously effects a starting impulse for the internal combustion engine. However, instead of relying upon the usual hand withdrawal or pulling of the cable to effect the starting impulse for the internal combustion engine, the present invention provides certain starter assist apparatus in combination with such a recoil-type starter.

The starter assist apparatus includes fastening means holding or fixing the outermost end of the cable from the recoil pulley. A bight of that cable, between the fixed outennost end and the wrapping of it about the recoil pulley, is engaged by a shiftable bight pulley assembly. A means is provided to maintain the bight of the cable within the groove of the bight pulley during shifting of the bight pulley assembly. The bight pulley assembly is itself operably affixed to a lever member; and this lever member is mounted to fulcrum at a location spaced from the location of the shiftable bight pulley assembly on it. The fulcrum attachment of the lever member permits pivotal movement of it, and thereby permits shifiing of the shiftable bight pulley assembly. Further, a foot pedal is operably connected to the lever member at a spaced location from the point of fulcrum. Application of brisk foot pressure upon the foot pedal causes pivoting of the lever member and shifting of the bight pulley assembly sufficiently to withdraw a length of cable from the recoil pulley. The length of cable so withdrawn is greater than the distance the bight pulley assembly is shifted, and is normally at least about two times greater than the distance of shifting or movement by the bight pulley assembly. It will readily be appreciated that brisk foot action is multiplied to cause an effective rate of withdrawal of the cable from the recoil pulley at least about twice as fast as one's foot movement. The starter assist apparatus also includes means for maintaining the cable from the recoil pulley in substantially the same plane as the wrapping of it about that recoil pulley for at least a sufi'lcient distance beyond the rims of the recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw or rubbing of that cable laterally over a rim during withdrawal and recoil.

An important feature of the preferred embodiment of the invention is that of the mounting of the bight pulley assembly (and even the lever member) for shifting or movement within a plane substantially parallel to, or even coincident with, the plane of the wrapping of the cable about the recoil pulley. This feature is most preferred, especially for the arrangement of the starter apparatus on the internal combustion engines of snowmobiles and the like.

A further preferred feature is that of a stop means to limit the pivoting action of the lever member on which the bight pulley assembly is mounted. Thus, the amount of cable withdrawn and returned on recoil may be maintained within parameters to reduce wear upon the torsion recoil mechanism of the recoil pulley.

A still further preferred feature is that of a means for biasing the bight pulley assembly toward a direction away from the recoil pulley. However, the recoil biasing of the recoil pulley is much greater or stronger than the biasing of the bight pulley assembly. The result of this arrangement is that the wear and snap back of the cable on the recoil pulley is reduced because the recoil action is slowed just sufficiently to prevent a severe snap result at the end of recoil.

An important overall benefit of the invention is that the starting apparatus permits an individual to turn over the crank shaft of an internal combustion engine much faster than by hand pulling or by the usual electrical starter apparatus. This, in turn, contributes to more effective magneto or equivalent action, with the result of a better spark and a quicker start of the engine.

Still further benefits of the invention will be evident as this description proceeds.

The invention will further be described by reference to a drawing made a part hereof wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side plan view of the starter assist apparatus of the invention in combination with a recoil-type starter (partially broken away) on the internal combustion engine of a snowmobile (partially in section and partially broken away);

FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6 are schematic side plan views illustrating several alternate embodiments for starter apparatus according to the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, the snowmobile, as illustrated, suitably comprises a frame structure 10, forward steerable ski members 11, a rear traction belt 12, seat member 13, windshield 14, an internal combustion engine 16, and starter apparatus according to the invention.

The starter apparatus includes a recoil-type starter l7 operably connected to the internal combustion engine 16. The recoil-type starter is suitably of the conventional type, having a recoil pulley 18 mounted for selective actuation of the crank shaft 19 (or an extension of the crank shaft) of the internal combustion engine 16. This recoil pulley 18 is biased rotationally in what is called the cable winding direction; and suitable biasing means is that of a relatively long and strong coiled torsion spring 20. The recoil pulley 18 is drivingly connected to the crank shaft 19 of the engine by means of a unidirectional clutch (not shown) which releases for recoil (or other suitable and essentially equivalent means may be employed, including gear arrangements such as in a Bendix unit). One end of a flexible cable 21 is fixed on the recoil pulley l8 and wrapped around or coiled around the recoil pulley 18 in the direction caused by recoil; and the other or outermost end segment 22 of the cable 21 extends outwardly and is available for brisk withdrawal of cable 21 from the recoil pulley. This action effects rotation of the recoil pulley in a direction (i.e., clockwise in FIG. 1) opposite to the recoil direction (i.e., counterclockwise in FIG. 1 Simultaneously, crank shaft 19 is turned, spark is initiated, and a starting impulse is created for the internal combustion engine.

Generally, the recoil-type starter mechanism also includes a casing or housing 23 which extends about at least a substantial portion of the annular perimeter of the recoil pulley 18 so as to guide the recoil cable 21 into the groove of that recoil pulley during recoil; and a passage 24 in the housing is provided for withdrawal of cable 21. The most important point to recognize is that the recoil pulley 18 is indeed biased in a recoil direction so as to wrap the recoil cable 21 around that pulley at the position of rest.

Another important characteristic of the arrangement for the recoil-type starter mechanism 17 as taught herein is that with respect to the direction of withdrawal of the recoil cable 21 from the recoil pulley 18. During withdrawal and also during recoil of cable 21, it is maintained in substantially the same plane as the wrapping of it about the recoil pulley 18. It is at least maintained in that plane for a sufiicient distance beyond the rims forming the groove of the recoil pulley 18 to prevent abrading draw of the cable laterally over a rim of the recoil pulley. This is necessary not only to prevent wear and fraying of the cable, but also to permit greatest ease of operation for the starter assist apparatus of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the starter assist apparatus includes, first of all, fastening means 25 holding the outermost end of segment 22 of the cable 21. Suitably, this means may consist of a simple bracket 25 secured, as by a bolt or other fastener, to some frame structure such as the frame of a mobile vehicle or the frame (e.g., housing) of an internal combustion engine. lf desired, the bracket 25 may be in the nature of a loop permitting one to affix the usual handle grip 26 at the end of the starting cable and rely upon that handle as a stop member to prevent slippage of the end of the cable from the loop bracket 25.

A bight of the cable segment 22, between the fastened outermost end thereof (e.g., as at bracket 25) and the wrapping of that cable about the recoil pulley 18, is engaged by a shiftable bight pulley assembly 27. This bight pulley assembly 27 includes a grooved bight pulley 28, and preferably also includes a casing means or the like cooperative with at least a portion of the annular perimeter part of the bight pulley so as to maintain the bight of cable in the groove during shifting of the bight pulley assembly. In FIG. 1, the bight pulley itself is freely rotatable on shaft 29 within a casing or housing formed by lever member 30. The body or mass of the lever member 30 at the internal portions thereof adjacent the perimeter of the bight pulley 28 is in close tolerance to the perimeter rims forming the groove of the bight pulley, and serves as guide means to maintain the cable within the groove of the bight pulley 28 during shifting of the bight pulley assembly 27.

Where a casing or equivalent is not employed to maintain the cable within the groove on the bight pulley, a very desirable arrangement, essentially accomplishing the same result, is that of a spiral spring or similar means (between lever 30 and a frame element) biasing the bight pulley assembly 27 in a cable withdrawn direction away from the recoil pulley 18. But when this approach is employed, the recoil biasing (e.g., by

torsion spring 20) of the recoil pulley 18 must be greater or stronger than the biasing action tending to pull the bight pulley assembly 27 in the cable withdrawn direction. As recoil spring 20 of the recoil-type starter mechanism becomes less strong or weaker on repeated use, the strength of biasing action by a spring 31 may be adjusted. Additionally, biasing by spring 31 saves on cable wear.

The shiftable bight pulley assembly 27 is in all cases operably affixed to a lever member 30. An excellent arrangement is that of pivotally afiixing the bight pulley assembly 27 to the lever 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6.

The lever member 30 is provided with means for mounting it at a pivot fulcrum in spaced relationship from the attachment of the shiftable bight pulley assembly 27 to the lever 30. The lever is mounted at fulcrum means 31, suitably fixed to some frame element of the mobile device, whether part of the base frame structure or the frame of an internal combustion engine or other frame portion. The mounting of the lever 30 at fulcrum means 31 is such as to permit pivotal movement of the lever member 30. The pivotal movement effects shifting of the shiftable bight pulley assembly 27 away from and toward the recoil pulley; and this is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, and the embodiment permitting the least number of component parts, the lever member 30 is so mounted at its fulcrum point to permit pivotal movement in a plane substantially parallel or even coincident with the plane of the wrapping of the recoil cable about the recoil pulley. Thus, the shiftable bight pulley assembly 27, as it is shifted by the pivoting action of the lever member 30, preferably moves within substantially the same plane as the wrapping or coiling of the cable 21 about the recoil pulley 18 of the recoil mechanism 17. This arrangement permits not only the minimum number of component parts, but also a highly effective and simple means whereby the cable 22, during withdrawal and recoil of it, is maintained in substantially the same plane as its wrapping about the recoil pulley. In essence, the shifting of the shiftable bight pulley assembly 27 is thus maintained in a plane substantially coincident with the plane of the recoil pulley itself; and another characteristic of this relationship is that the shaft of rotation for the recoil pulley and the shaft 32 at the fulcrum or pivoting of the lever are essentially parallel.

A foot pedal 33 is operably connected to the lever member 30 at a spaced location from the point of pivoting or fulcrum 31. This permits brisk foot pressure pivoting of the lever member 30 to effect shifting of the bight pulley assembly 27 away from the recoil pulley l8. Simultaneously, this action withdraws a length of cable 21 from the recoil pulley at least greater than about two times the distance the bight pulley assembly 27 is shifted.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an arm 34 for pedal 33 extends from the lever member 30, suitably from a location at or near the fulcrum 32 of the lever member 30. This arm 34 is rigidly fixed to the lever member 30, and extends in a direction outwardly from the axis of fulcrum 32 for the lever member 30. Ideally, arm 34 is fixed to the lever member 30 so that the lever member and arm pivot substantially in the same plane; but arm 34 may be displaced along a shaft 32 or the like to pivot in a plane parallel to the pivoting plane of the lever 30. If desired, the foot pedal arm 34 may be rigid throughout its length, with a foot pedal 33 at the end thereof. However, where the length of this arm 34 is so great as to possibly interfere with body movements while operating a snowmobile or other apparatus, it is desirable to provide a means for folding at least a portion of the foot pedal arm 34 out of the way after starting an engine. This is illustrated in FIG. 1, with the foot pedal arm consisting of two lengths. The part 34 is rigidly fixed to the lever member 30 and the outermost segment 35 is pivotally affixed to the base part 34. A U-shaped channel iron is suitably employed as the outermost segment 35, with side parts of that channel iron extending to provide flanges 36 through which a pin 37 may be fixed to attach that channel iron to the base arm 34. The U-shaped channel iron 35 is mounted with its concavity facing downwardly (or its U-shape inverted). This permits convenient folding of the segment 35 and foot pedal 33 in an upward direction after starting an engine. The base of the channel iron between its sides rests upon the end of arm 34 in the downward position illustrated in FIG. 1; and this feature in combination with the pin attachment 37 provides a rigid total arm for the operation of foot pedal 33. Preferably, foot pedal 33 is pivotally mounted on arm 35, as illustrated.

A stop bar 38 or other means (suitably rigidly fixed to the fulcrum) is provided to limit the motion on recoil. For example, stop 38, serves to stop the motion of arm 34 after a predetermined extent of return pivot by arm 34. This effectively limits the recoil movement of cable 21, saving on cable and recoil wear, and places the foot pedal 33 in position for application of foot pressure.

An essential feature of the invention is that of a means for maintaining the cable 21 of the recoil pulley 18, during withdrawal and recoil of that cable 21, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping of it about the recoil pulley 18 for at least a sufficient distance beyond the rims of the recoil pulley 18 to prevent abrading draw of that cable laterally over such rims. A preferred means for accomplishing this is to maintain the shifting or movement of the bight pulley assembly 27 in substantially the same plane as the plane of the wrapping of the cable 21 about the recoil pulley 18; and this is the arrangement for the elements in FIG. 1. Altemately, a guide pulley 39 (with its axis essentially perpendicular to the axis of a recoil pulley as illustrated in FIG. 5) may be mounted on a frame element of a device (e.g., the housing of the recoil starter 17 or the frame of an internal combustion engine) so as to engage a bight or segment of cable 22 after it leaves the recoil pulley but before it is entrained over the bight pulley 28. If desired, a guide pulley 39 for the noted purpose may be interposed within the housing of a recoil starter l7; and this in turn may be used to change the direction for exit of cable 22 toward, for example, a direction aligned with the shaft of rotation for the recoil pulley. A still further means for maintaining the cable 22 in substantially the same plane as the wrapping thereof during at least the distance necessary to remove that cable from the recoil pulley without abrading lateral draw over a recoil pulley rim is illustrated in FIG. 6. As there shown, the contour or curve of a slot 40 in lever member 30 is such that the shiftable bight pulley assembly 27 slides in the slot 40 during pivoting of lever 30 and maintains itself substantially aligned in the plane of the wrapping of the cable about the recoil pulley during withdrawal.

Another feature contributing to reliable operation, as well as contributing to a reduction of wear and tear of the cable and recoil mechanism, is that of a structure to limit the outward movement of the bight pulley assembly during the pivoting action drawing cable from the recoil mechanism 17. Overdraw of cable from the recoil mechanism causes damage to the recoil means. A stop means, such as an abutment plate or pad 54 on foot pedal 33 (or at any other suitable location) for abutment against a frame element is used to prevent such overdraw.

In the alternative embodiments schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 inclusive, the same numbers as in FIG. 1 are employed to designate related elements.

The alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is especially desirable where a foot recess extends under a hood or similar means over an internal combustion engine. Under such circumstances, it is desirable to attach the foot pedal 33 at a location directly upon the lever member 30 on which the bight pulley assembly 27 is carried.

In FIG. 4, a collapsible foot pedal assembly is illustrated (i.e., collapsible more or less in the nature of the collapsing of a folding self-standing ladder). The arm 41 carrying foot pedal 33 is pivotally fixed at pin 42 to lever 30 in spaced relationship from the fulcrum pin 32. A two segment brace 43 and 44 extends between lever 30 and arm 41 to form a trigulation with the pin 42, and thereby to rigidify the relationship of pedal 33 to lever 30 when the arm 41 is extended to the position illustrated in the drawing. The two segments 43 and 44 of the brace are pivotally fixed at opposite ends to the arm 41 and lever 30, and are pivotally united together by a pin, with one segment having a stop flange overlapping the other so as to permit folding or pivoting in only one direction at the uniting pin. Collapsing is accomplished by pivoting the segments 43 and 44, which draws arm 41 toward lever 30.

Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a stop bar 45, suitably fixed to a frame element, against which a projecting catch member 46 fixed to arm 41 abuts to limit the movement of the starter assist apparatus on recoil.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment where the recoil-type starter mechanism 17 and recoil pulley thereof lie essentially in a horizontal (or a plane perpendicular to the plane in which lever 30 moves on pivoting), with a guide pulley 39 employed as aforediscussed.

Further illustrated in FIG. 5 is an arrangement of the cable fastening means which is quite suitable especially for lowcompression engines. The fastening means 56 for holding the outermost end of the cable 22 is mounted on the lever member 30 and moves with the pivoting of that lever. An idler pulley 55 is fixed to a frame element against substantial movement. (Generally it is rigidly fixed, suitably with a provision for slight pivotal movement during the shifting of the bight pulley assembly; but for low-compression engines, the idler pulley may, if desired be yielding fixed or mounted to the frame to act with a time delay feature-at first being stretched away from its mounting point and then retracting at the end of the shift of the bight pulley.) Over the idler pulley is then entrained a bight of the cable length located between the fastening means and the bight pulley assembly. By placing the fastening means at the pin or shaft 56 of the bight pulley, as illustrated, the length of cable withdrawn is about three times the distance the bight pulley is shifted, which in turn allows for a substantial reduction of the length of lever 30 while still permitting adequate cable withdrawal for a rapid starting of an engine. Desirably, as the compression of engines increases, the length of lever 30 should be decreased in this arrangement; or alternately, the length of the arm on which foot pedal 33 is located should be extended to gain relative leverage advantage. However, incremental reduction of the force required for shifting the bight pulley is also suitably accomplished in this arrangement by fastening the end of cable 22 at points along lever 30 in graduated increments closer to fulcrum 32. This is accompanied by a graduated reduction not only of the force required to shift bight pulley 28, but also of the total length of cable withdrawn. Thus, fastening at about the midpoint of lever 30 results in withdrawal of a length of cable about two and one-half times the distance bight pulley 28 is shifted. Fastening at the fulcrum 32, or on a frame element such as illustrated in FIG. 1, amounts to about the same thing inasmuch as the outermost end of the cable is essentially stationary during pivoting of the lever member.

FIG. 7 illustrates a link arm 47 for transmitting power to lever 30 from a foot pedal 33 pivotally mounted at the end of a separate pivotable arm lever 48, which in turn is mounted at fulcrum pin 49 on a frame 10. Additionally illustrated in FIG. 7 is a further link arm 50 connected to a power lever 51 having a hand grip 52 as well as a foot pedal 53. The relationship of the elements shown in FIG. 7 is that which obtains at the point approximately two-thirds through the step of starting an engine equipped with the apparatus.

Illustratively, a device according to FIG. 1, fulcrumed at a location lower than the axis of the recoil pulley, has been constructed with a lever member 30 measuring 13% inches between the fulcrum pivot 32 and the location for the bight pulley assembly 27. The arm for foot pedal 33 measured 16% inches from the pivot pin for the foot pedal 33 to the shaft 32 of the fulcrum. The angular relationship between the lever member and arm was about This arrangement, and others according to the invention, serves especially well on snowmobiles.

it is emphasized that the drawings are simplified for clarity and that the showings therein are schematic. The relationship of bight pulley distance from the fulcrum point of the lever 30 to the foot pedal distance from the fulcrum point of its arm mounting is normally at least within the range of about 4:10 to about 12:10 (preferably 6:10 to about 11:10). The foot pedal distance should be at least about 6 inches in length; and a foot pedal distance from fulcrum up to about 2 feet is sometimes desirable where additional leverage is needed. But a foot pedal distance from fulcrum beyond 2 feet usually will be found to require an excessive arc of movement for it. In all cases the distance of the bight pulley from the fulcrum must be at least about 4 or 6 inches (preferably at least 8 or 10 inches or even a foot, but not more than about 18 inches) in order to provide an adequate arc of movement to withdraw sufiicient recoil cable to start an engine. The shorter distances between bight pulley and fulcrum (e.g., to inches) are generally most useful where the idler pulley approach is employed as illustrated in FIG. 5; and when the idler pulley approach is employed, the distance from foot pedal to fulcrum usually will be at least as great or even twice as great as the distance of the bight pulley to fulcrum, except in some instances where the new starter apparatus is used on relatively low-compression engines such as low-powered lawnmowers. In general, a reliable and very useful relationship between the bight pulley distance from fulcrum to the foot pedal distance from fulcrum will lie in the range of about 7:10 to about 10:10 Of course, by employing larger and larger diameters for the recoil pulley, the force required to draw out a length of cable may be reduced, but this expedient is usually not desired as it reduces the rate of turn over of the crank shaft during the starting action and lowers the likelihood of a quick start. Generally, recoil pulley diameters no larger than 10 inches are desired. Thus, the starter assist apparatus of the invention presents an especially attractive solution to the difficult problem of starting many types of internal combustion engines, particularly those on snowmobiles; and this becomes possible with a simple mechanical arrangement free of the problems associated with battery-powered electrical starters on such devices.

That which is claimed is:

1. In combination with a recoil-type starter operably connected to an internal combustion engine, wherein the recoiltype starter includes a recoil pulley biased in recoil direction, anclv a cable wrapped about the recoil pulley with the outer most end of the cable extending outwardly for withdrawal to effect rotation of the recoil pulley in a direction opposite to the recoil direction and simultaneously effect a starting impulse for the internal combustion engine, a starter assist apparatus comprising (i) fastening means holding the outermost end of said cable, (ii) a shiftable bight pulley assembly engaging a bight of said cable between said fastening means and said recoil pulley wrapping thereof, said bight pulley assembly comprising a grooved bight pulley, (iii) a lever member, said shiftable bight pulley assembly being operably affixed to said lever member, (iv) means mounting said lever member at a pivot fulcrum in spaced relationship from said shiftable bight pulley assembly, so that pivotal movement of said lever member efiects shifting of said shiftable bight pulley assembly, (v) a foot pedal operably connected to said lever member in spaced relationship from said mounting means, so that foot pressure on said foot pedal pivots said lever member and shifts said bight pulley assembly to withdraw a length of cable from said recoil pulley greater than the distance said bight pulley assembly is shifted, (vi) stop means limiting the range of outward shift movement of said bight pulley assembly during said withdrawal of cable, (vii) means maintaining said cable, during withdrawal and recoil thereof, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping thereof about said recoil pulley for at least a sufficient distance beyond the rims of said recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of said cable laterally over a rim of said recoil pulley, (viii) a stop member limiting the range of return movement of said lever member and bight pulley assembly during recoil of said cable on said recoil pulley, and (ix) spring means biasing said bight pulley assembly in a cable withdrawn direction from said recoil pulley, said bight pulley assembly being continually biased in said cable withdrawn direction throughout the range of said shift movement thereof, the recoil biasing of said recoil pulley being greater than the biasing of said bight pulley assembly in said cable withdrawn direction.

2. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means maintaining said cable, during withdrawal and recoil thereof, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping thereof about said recoil pulley for at least a sufficient distance beyond the rims of said recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of said cable laterally over a rim of said recoil pulley comprises the alignment of the shift of said shiftable bight pulley assembly within a plane substantially coincident with the plane of the wrapping of said cable about said recoil pulley.

3. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means maintaining said cable, during withdrawal and recoil thereof, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping thereof about said recoil pulley for at least at sufi'rcient distance beyond the rims of said recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of said cable laterally over a rim of said recoil pulley comprises a guide pulley over which a segment of said cable between said recoil pulley and said bight pulley is entrained.

4, The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 additionally having casing means cooperative with the groove of said bight pulley to maintain the bight of said cable in the groove of said bight pulley during shifting of said bight pulley assembly.

5. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foot pedal is attached to an arm fixed to said lever member, and said arm lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pivot of said lever member, and wherein the relationship between the distance of the bight pulley from the lever fulcrum and the distance of the foot pedal from the lever fulcrum lies in the range of4:10 to 12:10.

6. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastening means for holding the outermost end of said cable is mounted on said lever member and moves with the pivoting of said lever member, said apparatus further being characterized by having an idler pulley fixed against substantial movement and over which a bight of said cable between said fastening means and said bight pulley assembly is entrained.

7. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastening means for holding the outermost end of said cable is essentially stationary during pivoting of said lever member.

8. A mobile device equipped with the combination of claim 1.

9. A snowmobile equipped with the combination of claim 1. 

1. In combination with a recoil-type starter operably connected to an internal combustion engine, wherein the recoil-type starter includes a recoil pulley biased in recoil direction, and a cable wrapped about the recoil pulley with the outermost end of the cable extending outwardly for withdrawal to effect rotation of the recoil pulley in a direction opposite to the recoil direction and simultaneously effect a starting impulse for the internal combustion engine, a starter assist apparatus comprising (i) fastening means holding the outermost end of said cable, (ii) a shiftable bight pulley assembly engaging a bight of said cable between said fastening means and said recoil pulley wrapping thereof, said bight pulley assembly comprising a grooved bight pulley, (iii) a lever member, said shiftable bight pulley assembly being operably affixed to said lever member, (iv) means mounting said lever meMber at a pivot fulcrum in spaced relationship from said shiftable bight pulley assembly, so that pivotal movement of said lever member effects shifting of said shiftable bight pulley assembly, (v) a foot pedal operably connected to said lever member in spaced relationship from said mounting means, so that foot pressure on said foot pedal pivots said lever member and shifts said bight pulley assembly to withdraw a length of cable from said recoil pulley greater than the distance said bight pulley assembly is shifted, (vi) stop means limiting the range of outward shift movement of said bight pulley assembly during said withdrawal of cable, (vii) means maintaining said cable, during withdrawal and recoil thereof, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping thereof about said recoil pulley for at least a sufficient distance beyond the rims of said recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of said cable laterally over a rim of said recoil pulley, (viii) a stop member limiting the range of return movement of said lever member and bight pulley assembly during recoil of said cable on said recoil pulley, and (ix) spring means biasing said bight pulley assembly in a cable withdrawn direction from said recoil pulley, said bight pulley assembly being continually biased in said cable withdrawn direction throughout the range of said shift movement thereof, the recoil biasing of said recoil pulley being greater than the biasing of said bight pulley assembly in said cable withdrawn direction.
 2. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means maintaining said cable, during withdrawal and recoil thereof, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping thereof about said recoil pulley for at least a sufficient distance beyond the rims of said recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of said cable laterally over a rim of said recoil pulley comprises the alignment of the shift of said shiftable bight pulley assembly within a plane substantially coincident with the plane of the wrapping of said cable about said recoil pulley.
 3. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means maintaining said cable, during withdrawal and recoil thereof, in substantially the same plane as the wrapping thereof about said recoil pulley for at least at sufficient distance beyond the rims of said recoil pulley to prevent abrading draw of said cable laterally over a rim of said recoil pulley comprises a guide pulley over which a segment of said cable between said recoil pulley and said bight pulley is entrained.
 4. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 additionally having casing means cooperative with the groove of said bight pulley to maintain the bight of said cable in the groove of said bight pulley during shifting of said bight pulley assembly.
 5. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foot pedal is attached to an arm fixed to said lever member, and said arm lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pivot of said lever member, and wherein the relationship between the distance of the bight pulley from the lever fulcrum and the distance of the foot pedal from the lever fulcrum lies in the range of 4:10 to 12:10.
 6. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastening means for holding the outermost end of said cable is mounted on said lever member and moves with the pivoting of said lever member, said apparatus further being characterized by having an idler pulley fixed against substantial movement and over which a bight of said cable between said fastening means and said bight pulley assembly is entrained.
 7. The starter assist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastening means for holding the outermost end of said cable is essentially stationary during pivoting of said lever member.
 8. A mobile device equipped with the combination of claim
 1. 9. A snowmobile equipped with the combination of claim
 1. 